Biographies of Famous Christians
These lively biographies bring history to life. Joyce McPherson tells the stories of men of faith who were leaders in their fields. Their biographies illustrate the impact of the Christian worldview in western civilization. They also show that some of the most brilliant minds in history have found the ultimate truth in Jesus Christ. Each biography features numerous original quotes from the writings of these famous men.George Grant, writing in World Magazine, described the author's style in A Piece of the Mountain: "Her simple brisk style and vivid prose make this an ideal book for young readers; but this is a fascinating feast of ideas for adults as well."
Books available from: www.greenleafpress.com
A Piece of the Mountain, The Story of Blaise Pascal
A biography of one of the most important scientists and mathematicians of the 1600's. Not only was he a brilliant scientist, but he was converted to Christianity as an adult and became a devoted apologist for the Christian faith. Of special interest to home schooling families, this book recounts the recognition by Pascal's father of his remarkable talents and the provisions he made for his son's education - one of the earliest and most successful examples of home schooling!
For Christians, the account of Pascal's conversion is particularly moving as well as Pascal's immediate response to share the Gospel with his father, his sister and even with the nobleman who was his financial patron.
This book is written on a 5th- 6th grade level, but younger children will enjoy having it read out loud to them. Return to Top of Page
The Ocean of Truth, The Story of Sir Isaac Newton
A biography of one of the most significant scientists and mathematicians in human history. He invented Calculus, discovered the principles of gravity and motion, and made great strides in the study of light and use of the experimental method.
Sir Isaac Newton used his great works, Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy and Opticks, to testify to God. He wrote: "The Supreme God is a Being eternal, infinite, absolutely perfect." As he studied the Bible, he wrote thousands of pages of notes, which have never been published. Few people know that the man who discovered the "Laws of Motion" and Calculus, also wrote about God: "We must believe that he is the father of whom are all things, & that he loves his people as his children that they may mutually love him & obey him as their father." Newton anticipated issues that are still the subject of lively debate today, as when he wrote: "This most beautiful system of the sun, planets, and comets, could only proceed from the counsel and dominion of an intelligent and powerful Being."
This book is written on a 5th-6th grade reading level, but younger children will enjoy having it read aloud to them. Return to Top of Page
The River of Grace, The Story of John Calvin
John Calvin was one of the foremost leaders of the Protestant Reformation. It has been said that if Luther sounded the trumpet, Calvin was the one who orchestrated the score. His writings are still considered some of the clearest instruction on the Bible ever written. Many protestant denominations trace their roots to the Genevan church which he pastored. He also founded the Genevan Academy which established the standard for excellence in education and devotion to Scriptures that endures among evangelical schools to this day.
The Story of John Calvin furnishes a rare picture of life during the Protestant Reformation. Even more intriguing is the story of John Calvin himself. After a surprising conversion to the Christian faith, the young Calvin dedicated his life to restoring the teachings of the Bible to the church. He wrote: "Let us become submissive to God, and the He will convey to us by His Word, nothing but sweetness, nothing but delights."
His story is the testimony of a man who found the delight of God's grace:
"God ... makes us rich with the river of his grace ... so that those things which men call fortuitous events, are so many proofs of divine providence, and more especially of fatherly compassion, furnishing ground of joy to the righteous."
Artist of the Reformation, The Story of Albrecht Durer
A biography of one of the most influential artists of the Renaissance and Reformation. He was one of the first German artists to rise above the status of "craftsman," becoming the renaissance ideal of a scholar. When he died on April 6, 1528, he left more than seventy paintings, over one hundred engravings, two hundred and fifty woodcuts, more than a thousand drawings, and books on geometry, fortification, and human proportions. He wrote the first art textbook, which was called Food for Young Artists. The Christian worldview which he brought to the field of art is still relevant today.As a respected artist and scholar of his day, Durer witnessed the coming Reformation and made the acquaintance of men such as Erasmus, Martin Luther, Melanchthon, and the Emperor Maximilian. Though he created works of art for some of the most influential and wealthy men of his day, he made his woodcuts affordable for ordinary people. In this way, Durer brought the Bible to a wide audience through his brilliant illustrations of the book of Revelation and other themes.This biography includes over twenty illustrations by Albrecht Durer, who wrote: "Painting is a useful art when it is of a godly sort and employed for holy edification." The life and art of Durer is food not only for young artists, but for all who seek beauty and truth.This book is written on a 5th-6th grade reading level, but younger children will enjoy having it read aloud to them. Return to Top of Page
Joyce McPherson's Books are available from Greenleaf Press, 3761 Hwy 109N, Unit D, Lebanon, TN 37087, Phone: 1-800-311-1508
Web: www.greenleafpress.com